Sports icon and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana sat down to speak with Kevin Clark of The Ringer at Radio Row ahead of Super Bowl LVI. Naturally, Clark asked about the Hall of Famer's former team and the quarterback situation brewing in Santa Clara.
The 49ers invested a lot to acquire Trey Lance, trading away multiple first-round picks and a third-rounder, moving up to the No. 3 overall pick to select the former North Dakota State quarterback. Unfortunately for Garoppolo, that meant the end was near for his time in the Bay Area.
Last season, Lance started only two games, filling in for an injured Garoppolo. In the end, Garoppolo played through injuries and was part of the 49ers' impressive playoff run that ended in the NFC Championship Game, one win away from the Super Bowl.
What does the NFL legend believe the 49ers should do this offseason? His response may shock you (h/t to Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports).
"I think they keep Jimmy until you find somebody else," Montana told Clark. "I don't think Trey's ready to play yet, myself, and after talking to some of the players. It's one of those things that if you can keep Jimmy healthy, he plays well enough to get you here (the Super Bowl)."
The first in-person Slow News Day in 23 months is here, and it's great. Hall of Famer Joe Montana on Jimmy G/Trey Lance, he can't figure out his TV, he thinks Joe Burrow is going to win the Super Bowl, how to save money on Irish jumping horses and much more. pic.twitter.com/Mo9vsMM7AN
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) February 10, 2022
Clark asked Montana if he was pro-Jimmy.
"I think, for now, yeah," Montana responded.
In Garoppolo's end-of-season media availability, it sounded like the quarterback felt his time with the 49ers had come to an end. He said his goodbyes, thanking the media and fans.
"It's been a fun ride, guys, and I really appreciate you for that," Garoppolo said. "And yeah, I'll miss you guys. So thank you guys again. Faithful, thank you very much for everything. It's been crazy, man, just all the comebacks at Levi's, comebacks on the road, ups and downs. It's been a hell of a ride, guys. I love you guys. So, see ya."
Meanwhile, Lance is ready to do whatever the 49ers ask of him. If that means opening the season as the starting quarterback, he's confident he will be prepared.
"I'm going to be ready to go Week 1, without a doubt," Lance told NFL Network on Thursday. "I'm super excited for the opportunity. I feel like I learned a lot. I'll continue to learn. But yeah, excited to get it going again."
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